CHANDIGARH, Punjab—The celebrations of Hola Mahalla, which is a symbol of distinctness of the Khalsa Panth, begun on March 8 and is in full swing today at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Sri Anandpur Sahib is the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth.
Sri Akhand Path Sahib was laid after the Ardaas by Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh addressed the sangat on this occasion and said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji had started Hola Mahalla celebrations as an alternate of traditional festival Holi around 1700 AD to infuse a new passion in the people of India by creating a zeal for struggling against the oppressive government of that time.
Giani Raghbir Singh further said that Guru Sahib used to organize an armed fight between two forged divisions of the Khalsa army and those who used to perform well, were get honored. This tradition, commenced by Guru Sahib, gives a message to the Khalsa Panth to always remain ready and keep struggling.
“An Amrit Sanchar will be conducted for three days continuously at Sri Takht Sahib during ceremonies of Hola Mahalla,” he added.
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib’s manager Jasvir Singh and Information Officer Advocate Hardev Singh informed that there will also be a ‘Kavi Darbar’ on March 9 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. “Similarly, Kirtan Darbars will be held on March 10 from 3:00 am to 10:00 am and from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m,” he added.
The traditional Mahalla will begin on March 10 from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at 11.30 a.m. and will conclude back at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib after going through various stages including Qila Anandgarh Sahib and Qila Lohgarh Sahib. During the celebrations, there will be regular Amrit Sanchar at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
On the first day of Hola Mahalla at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the entire area including Sri Anandpur Sahib was fulfilled with devotees wearing blue and saffron turbans.
A large number of devotees are paying obeisance at Gurdwara Seesganj Sahib alongwith Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Guru Ke Mehal, Gurdwara Bhora Sahib, Qila Anandgarh Sahib, Qila Fatehgarh Sahib, Qila Holgarh Sahib, Qila Lohgarh Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib and Guru Ka Lahore.
SGPC member Principal Surinder Singh, Amarjit Singh Chawla, Head Granthi of Takht Sahib Giani Phoola Singh, Panj Piyare of Takht Sahib Sarabjit Singh, Avtar Singh, Harjit Singh, Surinder Singh, Amarjit Singh Barian, Additional Manager Lakhwinder Singh, Deputy Manager Malkit Singh, Manjinder Singh Brar, Bhupinder Singh, Karamjit Singh, Sarabjit Singh, Hardev Singh, Master Harjit Singh Achint and Preacher Lovepreet Singh etc. were present at this occasion.
